*** Official ASUS P5B / P5B Deluxe Thread ***

[jshupp872]

It looks good, except you will want to leave the Jmicron set to IDE, since your optical drive is IDE (not SATA).

When you set your bios to boot to optical drive (and set Jmicron to IDE) you would also want to set Intel to AHCI.

Then boot to the windows CD, hit F6 to install the INTEL drivers (not the Jmicron drivers).

You should be all set after that.

 

[imported_sHubH]

alright.. is ahci on intel better than the normal settings? so I will not have to install any jmicron drivers or what?

I heard that if you dont install jmicron drivers on windows install the comp may hang.

[I have P5B NON DELUXE]

and should I primarily set intel to ahci? [before windows install] or what?

Thanks~

 

[jshupp872]

I believe that AHCI is slighly better than IDE settings for the Intel controller. I would set it to AHCI before installing windows. Just make sure you have the Intel drivers on a floppy so you can install them during the installation of Windows.

I don't know if the Jmicron controller will hang the computer without drivers. I installed Vista withough any drivers for it, and it worked just fine.

I don't believe that you will need any Jmicron drivers for the installation of windows, since your Optical drive will work just fine in IDE.

Your SATA hdds will work just fine in IDE mode on the Intel controller as well, but they will perform a little better in AHCI mode.

 

[Rafael]

Originally posted by: gramboh
Can anyone confirm of the P5B Deluxe supports quad-core Kentsfield processors at this time? I swear I've seen rig sigantures with people using them, and the product specs say it supports it, but I want to confirm.

Also, I know you can OC to 1333MHz FSB, but will you be able to drop in a 1333MHz FSB Core 2 Duo and have it work natively? Maybe with a BIOS update?

Thanks

Yes it does support Core 2 Quad Kentsfield. I can't remember right now on which BIOS version it started to be supported.
And with the latest BIOS the 1333 Mhz FSB is supported.

Rafael

 

[imported_sHubH]

Originally posted by: jshupp872
I believe that AHCI is slighly better than IDE settings for the Intel controller. I would set it to AHCI before installing windows. Just make sure you have the Intel drivers on a floppy so you can install them during the installation of Windows.

I don't know if the Jmicron controller will hang the computer without drivers. I installed Vista withough any drivers for it, and it worked just fine.

I don't believe that you will need any Jmicron drivers for the installation of windows, since your Optical drive will work just fine in IDE.

Your SATA hdds will work just fine in IDE mode on the Intel controller as well, but they will perform a little better in AHCI mode.

Hmm...

Could you PLEASE give me a detailed noob style guide for what I must do exactly from the very beginning? It will be very highly appreciated.

You can look at my sig's link for my details.

also please look at http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=131966 and tell if its worthwile.

also, remem I hav a p5b non D so I heard it has a diff chipset of intel some ICH8 or something so where do I get the drivers for this?

Thank you mate,
sHubH

 

[gramboh]

Is it possible to Install Windows XP on a P5B Deluxe with all SATA drives (7200.10 SATA HDD and LiteOn SATA DVDRW)? I am planning on doing this:

1) Put Intel/JMicron SATA/RAID drivers on floppies, connect a floppy drive to the MB

2) Put a 7200.10 on the Intel controller and set it to AHCI mode

3) Put the SATA DVDRW on the JMicron controlle rand set it to IDE mode, put this as the boot device

4) Install Windows XP from CD, hit F6 and put in floppy to install Intel drivers so it sees the hard drive

5) After Windows is installed, reboot and put the JMicron to AHCI mode, boot into Windows and install the JMicron drivers and now the DVDRW should be visible and in AHCI mode as well

Is this correct?

 

[gramboh]

Originally posted by: Bob151
I'm ready to pull the trigger on a P5B Deluxe (paired with a E4300 or E6300). I've noticed discussion on the P5B-E about a certain hardware rev of the board which is undesirable to get, I am wondering if there is a HW Rev on the P5B Deluxe I would not want, what is the desirable HW rev for the P5B Deluxe?

Thanks

I asked this same question in a separate thread about a week ago and didn't receive any response.

From the research I've done, it doesn't appear there is a 'bad' revision of the P5B Deluxe whereas the P5B-E 1.01G does not support the same features as the 1.02G and newer (e.g. VDimm on 1.01G limited to 2.1V versus 2.3 or 2.4V on 1.02G and you can't control VMch northbridge voltage on the 1.01G).

I can't find any data on what revisions even exist for the P5B-Deluxe. I was going to go with a P5B-E but I can't find a 1.02G in Canada except from eBay and I want the security of 7-day in store return/exchange if I get a DOA board, so I'm getting a P5B-D locally. Costs about $40CDN more but it is a higher quality board.

 

[imported_sHubH]

Also, let me get one thing straight,

If I DO NOT install JMicron OR Intel drivers during windows [f6] and run both chips on IDE will my double sata hdds [1 main, 1 for data..] + 1 dvd writer work?

I dont care about a tad increase in performance if it saves a lot of hassle or complexities..

A flawless guide for better performance would be awesome though,,

Im soooooooooo confused... <3

 

[jshupp872]

Originally posted by: sHubH
Also, let me get one thing straight,

If I DO NOT install JMicron OR Intel drivers during windows [f6] and run both chips on IDE will my double sata hdds [1 main, 1 for data..] + 1 dvd writer work?

- Yes this will work perfectly

If I have time to put a guide together I will try. However, I really don't think it is as confusing as you think. Don't over complicate it. Both controllers will work in IDE mode perfectly. However, if you want AHCI performance, just have the drivers (from http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts...ct_Filter.aspx?ProductID=2101&lang=eng extracted and on a floppy). Change the bios for the intel controller to AHCI, and boot to the windows CD. When you see the F6 thing, press it and point it to the drivers. It will install and you will be all set. It really isn't that complicated.

I will see if I can put a guide together. (although the above description pretty much sums it up) ;-)

 

[imported_sHubH]

haha man, thats something I can finally understand ^^

after buying a mobo and being a hardware newbie, I started to read the forum and came across all these "problems" with P5B

so I wanted to be exactly sure of what Im gonna do before trying anything out ^^

anyway, I may get my gfx card tomorrow and ill test ur theory out, I hope as hell it works for me

also -> be kind to answer the following questions..

1. What are the advantages of AHCI over IDE?

2. If I successfully install everything without using F6, which drivers must I install on XP ?
Should i use the base drivers from the mobo cd or should I get the latest ones from the net? [just provide me names, I can get the links myself ]

 

[jshupp872]

Some one else might explain it better, or correct me if I am wrong:

ACHI allows the drive to transfer at SATA speeds, instead of limiting the drive to ATA-133 speeds. It also adds support for Native Command Queueing.

I am not sure about what drivers to install. I used Vista, so all the hardware for the chipsets was found. You might want to check intel's site to see if they have a chipset driver for your board. Check for a new soundmax driver from Asus, (or the manufacturer). Other than that, I am not sure what other drivers you might need.

I would install XP, then look at the device manager for any splats (yellow exclamation point), then start finding drivers for each device that has a splat.

 

[wgoldfarb]

Originally posted by: sHubH

1. What are the advantages of AHCI over IDE?

sHubH,

Essentially, AHCi enables two features that are not available under IDE: first is Native Command Queuing (NCQ), as mentioned above by Jeshupp, which makes the drive perform somewhat better. It also enables hot swappign of SATA drives. I believe the interface speed is the same under SATA configured as IDE or AHCI -- 3 GB/s, but NCQ makes the drive itself perform better.

You can check here for more details on AHCI, and here for more info on NCQ.

 

[Bob151]

Originally posted by: gramboh

Originally posted by: Bob151
I'm ready to pull the trigger on a P5B Deluxe (paired with a E4300 or E6300). I've noticed discussion on the P5B-E about a certain hardware rev of the board which is undesirable to get, I am wondering if there is a HW Rev on the P5B Deluxe I would not want, what is the desirable HW rev for the P5B Deluxe?

Thanks

I asked this same question in a separate thread about a week ago and didn't receive any response.

From the research I've done, it doesn't appear there is a 'bad' revision of the P5B Deluxe whereas the P5B-E 1.01G does not support the same features as the 1.02G and newer (e.g. VDimm on 1.01G limited to 2.1V versus 2.3 or 2.4V on 1.02G and you can't control VMch northbridge voltage on the 1.01G).

I can't find any data on what revisions even exist for the P5B-Deluxe. I was going to go with a P5B-E but I can't find a 1.02G in Canada except from eBay and I want the security of 7-day in store return/exchange if I get a DOA board, so I'm getting a P5B-D locally. Costs about $40CDN more but it is a higher quality board.

Thanks for the reply. Now that you mention it (living in Canada and the only sellers are on ebay), I recall your thread. Yea, the assessory features on the P5B-E are enough for me, but I want to get a good OC'able board, unlike my POS K8N-E Deluxe.

Guess I'll roll the dice on newegg.

Anyone know what the current HW rev of the P5B Deluxe is?

 

[chuckm]

sHubH,

Try this link from a couple 'a weeks ago;

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=29&threadid=2011352&enterthread=y

Good luck!!
Chuck

 

[imported_sHubH]

Thanks Everyone, thanks a BUNCH!!

Ill be trying it out the normal driver info as after reading on wikipedia, NCQ may slow down games and stuff and ill be going with the normal thing ^^

[edit]
ok after reading -

No problem. You do NOT need AHCI NOR Intel Matrix Controller for your set up. You also do NOT need the JMIcron driver.

Im pretty much sure what im upto now ^^

AT forums rock.. great one everyone!

I should hopefull get my gfx card later today [7 am here]
ill be pissed as hell if I dont... My supplier is stalling me for the last 2 weeks..

Anyone know a seller who ships to INDIA and has a ATI x1950PRO 256/512MB card. [any company sapphire/his...etc.] yea, the shipping shud be FAST

 

[Rafael]

Originally posted by: Bob151

Originally posted by: gramboh

Originally posted by: Bob151
I'm ready to pull the trigger on a P5B Deluxe (paired with a E4300 or E6300). I've noticed discussion on the P5B-E about a certain hardware rev of the board which is undesirable to get, I am wondering if there is a HW Rev on the P5B Deluxe I would not want, what is the desirable HW rev for the P5B Deluxe?

Thanks

I asked this same question in a separate thread about a week ago and didn't receive any response.

From the research I've done, it doesn't appear there is a 'bad' revision of the P5B Deluxe whereas the P5B-E 1.01G does not support the same features as the 1.02G and newer (e.g. VDimm on 1.01G limited to 2.1V versus 2.3 or 2.4V on 1.02G and you can't control VMch northbridge voltage on the 1.01G).

I can't find any data on what revisions even exist for the P5B-Deluxe. I was going to go with a P5B-E but I can't find a 1.02G in Canada except from eBay and I want the security of 7-day in store return/exchange if I get a DOA board, so I'm getting a P5B-D locally. Costs about $40CDN more but it is a higher quality board.

Thanks for the reply. Now that you mention it (living in Canada and the only sellers are on ebay), I recall your thread. Yea, the assessory features on the P5B-E are enough for me, but I want to get a good OC'able board, unlike my POS K8N-E Deluxe.

Guess I'll roll the dice on newegg.

Anyone know what the current HW rev of the P5B Deluxe is?

I bought in the end of 2006. I know it passed a few months now. But my mobo is rev 1.03g.
So I guess you will get 1.03g or later.

 

[robl756]

I am using the P5B deluxe, with the E6600, and I'm using the Zalman CNPS9500LED, It is a BIG cooler, but, does not in any way even get close to Northbridge Heatsink, or anything else. And, I have NEVER had it go over 32 at idle, and 40 at full load. And, I've verified Temps with 1.) a infrared Temp. probe with .05% accuracy (or so it advertises), and 2.) a Laser Temp. probe, with accuracy of 2 deg. C at full scale (300 deg. C). And, they all measure the same within reason.

 

[ahmurat]

Being the cehapie that i am i jumped on the deal from newegg on a P5B deluxe OEM without thinking my way through. I now realize I'm lucky that i have the i/o shield and the cables, but I'm missing the screws / nuts to install the motherboard to the case.
1. Would my case (antec P180b) which i haven't received yet have the screws necessary to install the board?
2. Where can i get these screws if not?

Thanx a bunch.

 

[Rafael]

Originally posted by: ahmurat
Being the cehapie that i am i jumped on the deal from newegg on a P5B deluxe OEM without thinking my way through. I now realize I'm lucky that i have the i/o shield and the cables, but I'm missing the screws / nuts to install the motherboard to the case.
1. Would my case (antec P180b) which i haven't received yet have the screws necessary to install the board?
2. Where can i get these screws if not?

Thanx a bunch.

The screws must come with the case.
The mobo package comes with mobo, SATA cables, SATA power cables, IDE cable, floppy cable, manuals, drivers cd, mic, WiFi antena (if yours is the WiFi edition), fan.
But you can find the list in your manual if you got.

Rafael

 

[ahmurat]

Originally posted by: Rafael

Originally posted by: ahmurat
Being the cehapie that i am i jumped on the deal from newegg on a P5B deluxe OEM without thinking my way through. I now realize I'm lucky that i have the i/o shield and the cables, but I'm missing the screws / nuts to install the motherboard to the case.
1. Would my case (antec P180b) which i haven't received yet have the screws necessary to install the board?
2. Where can i get these screws if not?

Thanx a bunch.

The screws must come with the case.
The mobo package comes with mobo, SATA cables, SATA power cables, IDE cable, floppy cable, manuals, drivers cd, mic, WiFi antena (if yours is the WiFi edition), fan.
But you can find the list in your manual if you got.

Rafael

whewww... thanx!

 

[ScottieB]

OK, this is my first post, but I've been reading for some time! Thanks to all for such a great forum!

I'm just about to build my first PC (just waiting on the last parts from Newegg!) and would like to clarify a few things. I've read the entire thread (over the course of a few days!) and am left with a few small questions (at least for now - we'll see when I start the actual build!)

I have 4 SATA devices, 3 hard drives and one DVD-R drive. I want to use 1 of the drives as my boot disk, and the 2 others as a RAID for storage (video editing). I've integrated the ICH8 drivers into my Windows install disc. So it is my understanding that with the setup A - I will NOT need to use the JMicron controller or install the drivers (incidentally, the JMicron controller is the one with the single SATA port that is not near the others, right? This is labeled as a RAID connector in the manual, but how can you have a RAID with only 1 SATA connector?) and B - with the drivers integrated I should be OK with setting the drives to RAID and SATA on first boot-up in the BIOS right? How about for the DVD drive? What should it be set at?

Also, I have not seen much mention of USB keyboards here - it is all I have ATM... will I be able to set everything up with my USB KB or will I need a different one? Is there something I need to set in order to use my USB keyboard from the get go?

Thanks again for everyone's help! Such a great board and I'm glad to be a member!

S

 

[The Sauce]

Can you switch to ACHI mode after Windows is already installed? You guys make it sound like you can only enable this during Windows installation.

 

[jshupp872]

You can easily switch to ACHI after windows is loaded.

You need to unlplug the boot drive from the current intel controller, and plug it into the Jmicron controller.

Change the intel controller from IDE to AHCI in the bios. Boot into windows (since the Jmicron controller is bootable)

Install the drivers for the Intel controller (windows will detect the new hardware).

Shutdown. Plug the booting HDD back into the intel controller. Boot into windows as expected.

My question is this, it seems that running in AHCI mode actually hurt performance, since every review I read online seems to say that NCQ is slower than running with NCQ off. Does anybody really think running in AHCI mode is better? I am currently running in AHCI mode, and am thinking about switching it back to IDE.

Also, does anyone know, the Intel Storage Matrix utility states that my 36 Raptor supports NCQ, but the WD website says that it does not, so who knows.

 

[gramboh]

I've read that NCQ on is better when you are doing multiple tasks at once (makes sense), saying uncompressing a large file, transferring from one HDD to another, encoding a DVD, running Bit Torrent in the background or playing a game (doing a few of these tasks at the same time).

What the reviews are saying is that in a single thread benchmark environment, NCQ may slightly hurt performance.

I'm planning on running AHCI/NCQ on with my new setup because I'd rather have the performance boost when doing a bunch of crap at once as I find that scenario is when HDD performance really bogs down.

 

[alex123]

Hello,

I have a weired problem with my P5B.

I am trying to boot my plain-vanilla P5B from the USB CD drive with no success...

That is a new rig and I was hoping to install OS from the USB CD drive. However, I can't see my USB CD drive in BIOS, nor do I see it when I press F8 during the start-up. If I use USB flash memory key, then P5B does show the key as one of the booting options. That hints USB controller is working fine.

USB CD also works fine when connected to another computer.

During the boot-up, the CD light is blinking for about 10-20 sec, but there is no that sound like when it moves between the tracks (the installation bootable disk is inside the drive). Finally, it says "... select proper boot device ... blah blah" (the hard drive is not formatted). It also shows "00 USB Mass Storage Devices detected" among the other POST messages.

I guess I have to mention what kind of USB CD drive am I using.... That is some sort of USB-to-IDE/SATA adapter that has USB 2.0 jack on the one end, connected to the IDE, SATA and Notebook IDE jacks on the other end. It is called "R-Driver III". I use it with regular IDE CD ROM drive connected to this device and that makes up my "USB CD drive". By the way, it works fine when connected to another computer (through USB)... I also tried a bootable IDE hard drive instead of CD drive and that did not work either.

If I could only boot my new rig from that thing... Any ideas?

I just want to know - in your opinion, is that possible that some USB-drives work fine but cannot be booted from? Have anyone booted this mobo from some "weired" USB devices?

P.S. I am about to update BIOS since it is version 0506 and it does not recognize E4300 CPU. My board is Rev 1.03G. I do not expect it to help with USB booting though.